Obituary

Peter J. Ediger, poet, prophet and peacemaker, died in Las Vegas on Thursday (Feb. 16, 2012) after a brief illness.

Ediger resided in Las Vegas, where he co-founded Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service in 1989 with the Franciscan Friars of California. The lifelong activist and advocate for nonviolence, social justice and Christian pacifism had recently directed his prophetic words to local churches, challenging them to obey Jesus’ command to “love your enemies.” In addition to regular work with Pace e Bene, he worked part time for Family Promise, served as a member of the Las Vegas Catholic Worker community and contributed to the work of Nevada Desert Experience until near his death.

Born to Jacob H. Ediger and Margaretha (Wiens) in central Kansas in 1926, Ediger was ordained by the General Conference Mennonite Church (now Mennonite Church USA) in 1954 and pastored several Mennonite congregations until 1986.

He is survived by sisters, Katherina Epp, Marie Regehr, Anne Martin and Elma Kauffman; children, Irene, Joe, Janice and Duane; and grandchildren, Jack, Greta and Sallie. He was preceded in death by ex-wife, Marjorie Reimer Ediger; and brothers, Abraham and Menno.

The memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4601 W. Lake Meade Blvd. in Las Vegas.